STA. ROSA, Laguna – Yeng Guiao is not worried about Rain or Shine suffering the worst loss in franchise history against Magnolia Friday night in a PBA Governors’ Cup road game.
His biggest concern is the possibility of the team playing without an import in Game 3 of the Governors’ Cup quarterfinals two days from now.
Reinforcement Aaron Fuller could be doubtful in Sunday’s Game 3 as he suffered a vision problem after being poked in the left eye by big man Ian Sangalang.
The 34-year-old Fuller was brought to the hospital and didn’t finish the game which the Elasto Painters lost by blowout, 121-69.
READ: Bird a seamless fit as Magnolia deals RoS a 52-point beatdown
Guiao later said Fuller is questionable for the next game.
“We really played bad, but I think the more important thing for us is yung condition ni Aaron. That will be important for us moving forward. Up to the time na dinadala siya sa hospital hindi siya makakita on his left eye,” said the Rain or Shine coach.
“I think moving forward that’s the more important development, kasi baka we have to play without an import. Mahirap naman magpadala ng import na ganun kabilis.”
Fuller suffered the injury with 30 seconds left in the first quarter and Rain or Shine trailing by nine.
The Rain or Shine import had four points, four rebounds, and two assists when he exited the game for good.
Guiao said Sangalang’s finger pierced right inside Fuller’s eye as the Magnolia big man tried to retrieve the ball while being guarded by the veteran import.
“Nung nakausap namin si Aaron, pumasok daw talaga yung daliri ni Ian sa loob ng mata niya. Hindi yung nagasgas lang or nakalmot lang,” related the Rain or Shine coach.
Guiao said Rain or Shine has brought the case before the league’s technical committee, saying the act was almost tantamount to a second motion.
“We watched the video. And I think it needs further investigation,” he added. “Parang extra motion talaga siya. So let’s see kung ano yung ano (stand) ng PBA.”
The best-of-five series is now tied at 1-1 and Guiao lamented should the Elasto Painters show up without Fuller in the next game.
“It’s going to be a tragedy kung ganun,” said Guiao on the possibility of the Elasto Painters seeing action without Fuller at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“I hope he’s ok,” the Rain or Shine mentor added about the hard working import.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
